Are you ready to make the holidays sweeter? Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are a festive delight that combines soft, buttery dough with a burst of peppermint. These cookies are not just cute; they are tasty too! In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the recipe, along with tips for perfecting your holiday treats. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fun and easy recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: These cookies combine the classic taste of vanilla with the refreshing crunch of candy canes, making them perfect for the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies not only look beautiful with their candy cane topping but also make a delightful gift for friends and family during the holidays.
- Fun to Decorate: Pressing the Candy Cane Kisses into the warm cookies is a fun activity, especially for kids who want to help in the kitchen.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
– 24 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
To make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, gather these ingredients first. The butter must be softened for easy mixing. Powdered sugar gives these cookies their sweet touch. Adding vanilla extract brings a warm flavor that blends well with the candy canes.
You will also need flour, baking powder, and salt. The flour builds the cookie structure. Baking powder helps them rise and stay fluffy. The salt balances the sweetness.
Crushed candy canes provide a festive crunch. Save some for garnish to make your cookies even prettier. Finally, you will need 24 Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. These chocolate treats are the star of the cookie.
Having all your ingredients ready makes the baking process smooth. Plus, it helps ensure you do not forget anything!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cookie removal later.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a great base for your cookies.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to blend the dry ingredients well. Gradually add this mix to the creamed butter and sugar. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Adding Candy Canes
Now, it’s time to add some holiday cheer! Fold in the crushed candy canes evenly into the dough. This adds a nice crunch and minty flavor to your cookies.
Shaping the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes. After cooling slightly, press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie. This adds a sweet surprise!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, you need to cream the butter and sugar well. Start with soft, room-temperature butter. This helps it mix easily. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. You want air bubbles to form, making the cookies rise nicely. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference!
How to Avoid Spreading
Keeping your cookies from spreading too much is key. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up again. Also, make sure you measure the flour correctly. Too little flour can make cookies flat. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then scoop it into your measuring cup. Level it off with a knife for accuracy.
Decorating Ideas
Get creative with your cookie decorations! After adding the Candy Cane Kisses, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top. This adds color and crunch. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a pretty finish. Try adding sprinkles or even crushed nuts for a twist. The options are endless!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve a thicker cookie.
- Use Fresh Candy Canes: For the best flavor and crunch, use freshly crushed candy canes. Old candy canes may lose their vibrant taste.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to enhance the minty flavor, or substitute vanilla with almond extract for a twist.
- Perfect the Kiss Placement: Press the Candy Cane Kisses into the cookies gently but firmly right after taking them out of the oven for a beautiful finish.
Variations
Substituting Ingredients
You can easily swap ingredients in Candy Cane Kiss Cookies to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. This flour works well and keeps the cookies soft. You can also use vegan butter to make the cookies dairy-free. Just remember to check that your Candy Cane Kisses are suitable for your diet.
Flavor Additions
To customize the flavor of your cookies, think about adding peppermint extract. A half teaspoon can boost the minty taste. You may also mix in chocolate chips for a rich twist. Dark or white chocolate chips will add a nice touch. Both options create a delicious surprise in every bite.
Themed Variations
You can change the look and feel of these cookies for different seasons. For Valentine’s Day, use pink or red candy canes and heart-shaped kisses. In the fall, try adding pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor. Using different colored candies lets you create fun themes for any holiday!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Candy Cane Kiss Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method keeps moisture out and helps maintain their soft texture. Place layers of parchment paper between cookies to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these cookies easily. If you have unbaked dough, scoop and roll the dough into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just remember to press out any air before sealing.
Shelf Life
These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. However, the cold can change their texture. So, to enjoy them at their best, stick to room temperature storage.
FAQs
What are Candy Cane Kiss Cookies?
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies are festive treats perfect for the holiday season. These cookies feature a soft, buttery base mixed with crushed candy canes. The top gets a sweet touch from a melted Candy Cane Kiss. This mix of flavors gives them a delightful minty crunch. Kids love them, and they bring cheer to any party. The festive colors and candy canes make them a fun treat to share.
Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate kisses if you prefer. While they won’t have the same minty flavor, they will still taste great. The cookies will have a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with the buttery base. You can also try other flavors, like caramel or peanut butter kisses. Experimenting with different kisses can create unique cookie flavors for your holiday gatherings.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend can replace regular flour in cookies. You can also check that the other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these cookies. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and you’ll have tasty gluten-free treats.
This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. We explored the ingredients list, detailed steps for baking, and shared helpful tips to perfect your cookies. You can create fun variations or store them to enjoy later. Baking is a joy, especially with these festive treats. Try these cookies for yourself and bring some holiday cheer to your kitchen! Enjoy the process and share them with friends and family. Happy bakin
